Statement: Dwight and Steven Hammond

Dwight and Steven Hammond respect the rule of law. They have litigated this matter within the federal courts for over five years and, in every instance, have followed the order of the court without incident or violation. That includes serving the entire sentences imposed in this case by the judge who heard the evidence at trial and who concluded that imposition of a five-year sentence under these circumstances would “shock the conscience.”

As the Hammonds have previously stated, they will be reporting to the United States Bureau of Prisons today to serve their sentences.

The Hammonds will continue their legal efforts to renew their grazing permits. They will also pursue Executive Clemency. We hope that President Obama will agree with us and with the veteran judge who presided over the trial that the mandatory five-year minimum sentence is far too long for these ranchers

Alan Schroeder, Counsel Hammond Ranches, Inc.

Kendra M. Matthews, Counsel Dwight L. Hammond, Jr.

Lawrence Matasar, Counsel Steven D. Hammond